We’ve lived in Eastbourne for a while now and have found some lovely little places that make this town feel like home. Whether you’re visiting or just want to explore the area, I thought I’d share a few favourites that we keep coming back to.
First up, Beachy Head — such a stunning spot, and we actually went there on New Year’s Day. The views are absolutely breathtaking, but do be careful as the cliffs can be unstable. It’s often busy with tourists; fun fact, a K-pop band even filmed a music video here. Off the coast, there’s a very cute little lighthouse, and nearby is another lighthouse that’s been turned into an Airbnb. The walk from the main carpark to the Airbnb lighthouse is about six miles, with some very steep hills that make it quite exhausting, especially if it’s windy. Behind that lighthouse are the best views of the cliffs—though probably not the best if you’re afraid of heights.
Birling Gap is another great spot, and perfect for watching the sunset. Just a heads up though, the cliffs here are fragile, so it’s best to stick to the marked paths and stay away from the base of the cliffs.
If you’re missing furry friends, the Mad Catter Cat Café is a delightful way to spend an hour or so. There are plenty of cats who love to climb on tables, and most are happy to be petted. The entry fee is £5 per person, The cafe is home to 16 resident cats, many of whom were born there, including a litter of eight in 2020. These cats have grown up in the café and are cherished members of the family.
For a bit of fresh air and exercise, Hampden Park is a huge green space with plenty of walking paths, streams, and even a tennis court if you fancy a game.
Near our local supermarket, the Eastbourne Marina is a great spot filled with cafes and restaurants — perfect for a casual meal or coffee.
Of course, the seafront and pier are always lovely for a stroll. The pier has a few arcades and cafés, which make for a fun visit, especially if you want a bit of classic seaside entertainment.
The Italian Gardens are really pretty and offer some lovely views of the cliffs nearby — a quiet place to sit and take it all in.
Right in the centre of town, Gildredge Park is full of squirrels and perfect for a relaxed afternoon wander. The nearby St. Mary’s Church is also pretty to explore.
A newer addition to the town is the Ferris wheel, which is a fantastic way to get panoramic views of Eastbourne from above.
Being a bit of a mini golf enthusiast, I’ve got to mention the local mini golf course — it’s a fun and interesting track that’s definitely worth trying out.
For book lovers, Camilla’s Bookshop is a gem — it’s packed with second-hand books and some really interesting finds.
For drinks and food, the Dew Drop Inn is our local favourite, especially when the sun’s out and you can sit in their lovely outdoor area. The Rainbow is another great spot.
Finally, the pastel houses on Camberley Road make for a very pretty and peaceful way to bypass part of the town centre.
Eastbourne might be small, but it has so many lovely corners to discover.
